Chromatographic studies of Rf (element 104) with tributylphosphate (TBP)

Abstract

The extraction behaviour of Rutherfordium (element 104, Rf), carrier-free Zirconium, and Hafnium in the system HCl–TBP (tributylphosphate) was examined. The 65-s α-emitting isotope 261Rf was produced via the reaction 248Cm( 18O,5 n). The recoil products were transported with a He(KCl) jet to the Automated Rapid Chemistry Apparatus (ARCA) where 1140 separations were performed. In contrast to previous data showing a seemingly low extraction of Hf and Rf we find much higher distribution coefficients. The extraction increases in the order Hf<Rf<Zr.